Analysis of the relevance of the environmental engineering solid waste course in two public universities according to the Saber Pro.

Abstract

The Saber Pro State Examination for Higher Education Quality is a fundamental tool for assessing the competencies acquired by undergraduate students in Colombia. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating educational quality and provides valuable input for curricular improvement. This study aimed to determine the degree of alignment between the contents and learning outcomes defined in the courses "Solid Waste" (Universidad del Magdalena) and "Solid Waste Treatment" (Universidad Popular del Cesar – Aguachica Campus), and the specific competencies assessed in the "Design of Environmental Impact Management Systems" module of the Saber Pro exam. A quantitative approach with correlational scope and a quasi-experimental design was adopted. The instrument used was an official ICFES test booklet, applied for academic purposes, focusing on ten questions from the aforementioned module. The sample consisted of 64 students from both universities. The analyses, including correlation coefficients, revealed significant disparities in the level of competency mastery, suggesting a disconnection between what is taught and what is evaluated. These findings highlight the urgent need to adjust the course syllabi of both institutions to strengthen key competencies such as quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and critical analysis skills. The study concludes that aligning course plans with the competencies assessed by national standardized tests is essential to improve the quality of environmental engineering education and the preparation of future professionals in the country.